Mt. 24:4-5 π Mt. 24:11 π Mt. 24:24 π Eph. 6:10-18
In the Apocalypse, we have the full unveiling of the Satanic confederacy in widespread control of the whole earth, and the war upon the saints as a whole; but the work of the deceiver among the foremost saints of God is especially depicted in the Ephesian letter of the apostle Paul, where, in Ephesians 6:10-18 (top), we have the veil drawn aside from the Satanic powers, showing their war upon the Church of God, and the individual believer's armour and weapons for conquering the foe. From this passage we learn that in the plane of the believer's highest experience of union with the Lord, and in the "high places" of the spiritual maturity of the Church, will the keenest and closest battle be fought with the deceiver and his hosts.
Hence as the Church of Christ draws near to the time of the end, and is, by the inworking power of the Holy Spirit, being matured for translation, the full force of the deceiver and his hosts of lying spirits will be directed upon the living members of the Body of Christ. A glimpse into this onslaught of deceiving spirits upon the people of God in the close of the age, is given in the Gospel of Matthew, where the Lord uses the word deceived in describing some of the special marks of the latter days. He said: "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My Name, saying, ?I am Christ:? and shall lead many astray" ( Mt. 24:4-5 , A.V. and R.V.); "and many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many" ( Mt. 24:11 , A.V.). "There shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray [or "deceive" A.V.] if possible, even the elect." ( Mt. 24:24; top )
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